The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling

If you thought Lord Voldemort and his cohorts were frightening, you haven't met the residents of Pagford, England.  A tiny and picturesque English village, Pagford would be idyllic if not for the huge egos and lifelong feuds of its residents.  So, when one of the members of the Parish Council drops dead from a brain aneurysm, the vultures immediately start circling to fill his seat.  What follows is the story of small town politics with big time consequences.

Rowling's ability to bring characters to life for her readers is unparalleled. From the self-satisfied and self-appointed King and Queen of Pagford, to the underprivileged children from the reviled public housing tract, she perfectly captures the petty grievances of petty people. And although the story shows us that long held resentments infect a community with a culture of intolerance and hate, we still find sympathy for both sides of the fight.  For who amongst us doesn't have a little bit of the NIMBY residing inside?  (FYI:  "Not In My Backyard!")

The Casual Vacancy shows us that the terror of an evil wizard is scary, but the real problems of real life are even more so. I can't wait for her next book.  (Hint, hint, J.K.!!)

The Book Chick